by
Lial, Margaret L.; Salzman, Stanley A.; Hestwood, Diana L.

Answer

Prime numbers are divisible by only themselves and 1, while composites are divisible by other numbers. Zero and one are neither prime nor composite.

Work Step by Step

Prime numbers are defined as (a) whole and (b) only divisible (evenly) by themselves and 1. For example, the numbers $3$, $5$, and $7$ are prime because they have no factor aside from themselves and 1.
Composite numbers are the "opposite" of prime numbers. That is, they have more factors than just themselves and 1. For example, even numbers (aside from 2) are composite; e.g. $4$, $6$, and $8$.
The numbers $0$ and $1$ are neither prime nor composite.